Tag Archives: Meg Langslow

Books to Crow About: Probable Caws and A Tangled Magic

4 Aug
Cover of A Tangled Magic by Andrea Eames, Author of a Harvest of Hearts Features a women with stylized tangles of blond and red hair with black ravens perched inside

Looking for some great new fiction? Check out these two just hatched novels!

Probable Caws
by Donna Andrews
Donna Andrew’s Meg Langslow Mysteries are my favorite cozy mysteries. In Probable Caws, Meg is helping care for formerly neglected and abused horses from an equine rescue group that have been temporarily moved to her friend, Ragnar’s property. Several other reoccurring characters including her twin sons, her animal expert grandfather, and the empathic Rose Noire also help out. I find Andrews quirky cast of characters are always a highlight of her story for me. Each of the novels features a focus on a different bird species, in this case a flock of clever crows (often fittingly for a mystery called a murder). Of course an actual murder also occurs that Meg tries to help the local police officers solve. The conclusion was not as plausible as some of her other entries in the series, but the story was overall a fun and heartwarming one which both animal lovers and cozy fans will highly enjoy.

A Tangled Magic
by Andrea Eames
Andrea Eames, author of A Harvest of Hearts, which I previously blogged about has created another unique and compelling fantasy. A Tangled Magic takes the traditional Rapunzel story and transforms it into a dramatic quest for its heroine to find her missing family, lost memories, and her own inner strength and powers. I loved Baldbeak, her raven sidekick, and that the novel is populated with many intriguing characters. This reminded me of works I have enjoyed by Tanith Lee and T Kingfisher, who are masters of dark fairytale reinvisionings. The story is filled with many twists that will keep you turning the pages. This novel is especially recommended for fans of high fantasy, fairytale reimaginings, found families, and works with complex and sometimes morally grey characters.

Written by:
Aimee Harris
Information and Digital Services Manager

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Quirky True and Fictional Crimes: The Absinthe Forger and Rockin’ Around the Chickadee

16 Oct

The Absinthe Forger: A True Story of Deception, Betrayal, and the World’s Most Dangerous Spirit
by Evan Rail
The Absinthe Forger by Evan Rail is a fun and informative read about a very quirky criminal. Based on a suggestion of a friend and fellow absinthe enthusiast, Rail explores an eccentric London grifter, Christian, who had supposedly faked and sold pre-ban absinthe to collectors which can be worth thousands of dollars. Along the way to exploring the truth Rail discusses the history of absinthe’s creation, popularity with artists like Toulouse-Lautrec and then fall from grace and banning due to the supposed dangers of wormwood before its recent resurgence in popularity and the demand for early pre-ban bottles. I was familiar with many of the current brands of absinthe that are now on the market, but I enjoyed learning about the history of absinthe and Rail’s efforts to uncover the truth behind the accusations of fraud. His travels through Europe include absinthe museums, distilleries, and visits with a variety of expert “absintheurs”. The Absinthe Forger will appeal to those with an interest in European history and true crime. I found it slightly disappointing that we never get the perspective of Christian himself, but I think understandable someone would not want to directly admit to such wrong doings and Evans attempts to engage him form amusing anecdotes for the reader. If you are intrigued by The Absinthe Forger you may also want to stream the wine related documentary Sour Grapes about the fraud committed by “wine savant” Rudy Kurniawan.

Rockin’ Around the Chickadee
by Donna Andrews
Rockin’ Around the Chickadee is Donna Andrews latest holiday mystery and her 36th in her bestselling Meg Langslow Mystery series. In this novel readers who are curious about True Crime, will find an enthrawling mystery revolving around a murder at a conference Meg’s Grandmother organized for those interested in learning more about the process to exonerate those unfairly convicted of crimes. This aspect of the story will be entertaining to those who have never read the series before. Of course there is plenty for long term readers to love including the quirky cast of characters from Meg’s family who help her in her investigation and I was most excited that this novel deals with the pregnancy of Meg’s sister-in-law who is on bed rest through the holiday season. Similar to the last few books this one takes a more social conscious view of the world than some of the earlier entries, but still retains a delightful sense of humor throughout. This would be an enjoyable read now or to be added to your list for books to be read during the holiday season. Those looking to start at the beginning will want to checkout Murder with Peacocks.

Curious about writing your own long running mystery series? Save the Date, on November 11, HPL will have four mystery authors from the Mystery Writers of America New York Chapter scheduled along with moderator Mark McNease talking about how to start writing a series and keep it going.

Written by:
Aimee Harris
Information and Digital Services Manager

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